Grade 11 Unit 3

abominate

(v.) To have an intense dislike or hatred for.

Synonyms: Loathe, Abhor, Despise, Detest

Antonyms: Relish, Savor, Cherish, Esteem

Acculturation

(n.) the modification of the social patterns, traits, or structures of one group or society by contact with those of another; the resultant blend

adventitious

(adj.) resulting from chance rather than from an inherent cause or character; accidental, not essential; (medicine) acquired, not congenital

ascribe

(v.) to assign or refer to (as a cause or source), attribute

circuitous

roundabout, not direct

commiserate

(v.) to sympathize with, have pity or sorrow for, share a feeling of distress

enjoin

to direct or order; to prescribe a course of action in an authoritative way; to prohibit

expedite

to make easy, cause to progress faster

expiate

(v.) to make amends, make up for; to avert

ferment

(n.) a state of great excitement, agitation, or turbulence; (v.) to be in or work into such a state; to produce alcohol by chemical action

inadvertent

resulting from or marked by lack of attention; unintentional, accidental

nominal

(adj.) existing in name only, not real; too small to be considered or taken seriously

noncommittal

not decisive or definite; unwilling to take a clear position or to say yes or no

peculate

(v.) to steal something that has been given into one's trust; to take improperly for one's own use

proclivity

a natural or habitual inclination or tendency (especially of human character or behavior)

sangfroid

composure or coolness, especially in trying circumstances

seditious

resistant to lawful authority; having the purpose of overthrowing an established government

tenuous

(adj.) thin, slender, not dense; lacking clarity or sharpness; of slight importance or significance; lacking a sound basis, poorly supported

vitriolic

(adj.) bitter, sarcastic; highly caustic or biting (like a strong acid)

wheedle

to use coaxing or flattery to gain some desired end